Crystal Palace made history on 11 November 1871 by taking part in the first-ever FA Cup draw, playing out a 0-0 draw with Hitchin. The result saw both teams progress to the second round under the rules of the inaugural competition.
The Glaziers were also involved in the creation of the tournament. Palace captain and Football Association committee member Douglas Allport attended the meeting at which the Challenge Cup was formally proposed, and put forward the idea of forming a sub-committee to establish the competition’s rules.
Palace followed their opening draw by defeating Maidenhead United 3-0 at the Crystal Palace. A goalless result against the Wanderers in the third round again allowed both sides to advance, sending Palace into the semi-finals.
The semi-final against the Royal Engineers was another 0-0 draw, played at the Oval. As it was not possible for both teams to progress to the final, the tie became the first FA Cup replay. Palace were beaten 3-0 in the rematch, with Henry Renny-Tailyour scoring twice for the Engineers.
The Wanderers went on to win the inaugural FA Cup, defeating the Royal Engineers 1-0 in the final. Palace’s run nevertheless secured a series of landmarks in the competition’s earliest days, beginning with their place in its first-ever draw and culminating in a semi-final appearance.
